Hi guys, I was wondering if it is possible to build a stiff,light weight structure using T-slot aluminium profile joined with aluminium plate and t-bolts that is made up of multiple triangular sections?

I was thinking along the lines of a trussed bridge or an arch. Ideally the T-slot would just be cut with right-angle ends, and the joining plates would form the angles and keep eveything rigid. I am I just dreaming, or is this possilbe?

Cheers.

Yes, quite possible...check the 80/20 website....or their garage site on ebay.....they generally have the gussets available at a good price.....if you don't need alot of ridigidity they also offer the L shaped straps that slip into the 80/20 channels....

Yes, quite possible...check the 80/20 website....or their garage site on ebay.....they generally have the gussets available at a good price.....if you don't need alot of ridigidity they also offer the L shaped straps that slip into the 80/20 channels....

Thanks - I hadn't seen anything other than right angles in their examples on 80/20.net, but I found the gussets on eBay US. Once again, eBay UK is a very,very expensive, but very,very poor relation of eBay US for CNC - no 80/20 surplus for me :(

They have 45, 30, and 60 degree angled gussets (just checked the catalogue), and you should be able to build it using those angles entirely. If for some reason you need a different gusset that what they offer, they can machine custom aluminum gussets as well. Also, if you are really inclined, they can do stanchion blocks and leadscrew blocks as well. You can design an entire system and have them manufacture almost all of the parts. I do believe that they even have ground hardened shafts for the linear bearings.

They have 45, 30, and 60 degree angled gussets (just checked the catalogue), and you should be able to build it using those angles entirely. If for some reason you need a different gusset that what they offer, they can machine custom aluminum gussets as well. Also, if you are really inclined, they can do stanchion blocks and leadscrew blocks as well. You can design an entire system and have them manufacture almost all of the parts. I do believe that they even have ground hardened shafts for the linear bearings.

Thanks, I have a mini-mill, so I should be able to make up my own gussets :)

I really do like the look of this stuff - and the deflection calculator is really,really useful for choosing the profiles I need :)